“I was doing well for a while as a lightweight prior to those setbacks,” he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “Regardless, I was always smaller than my opponents. Every strike felt hard and heavy.

“So my team and I decided to drop to featherweight so things would be more even. Thankfully my trainers helped me learn how to cut weight the right way. It was the best decision. I have two finishes since. I plan to stay here.”

Oliveira, who’s picked up wins via calf slicer and anaconda choke in his most recent appearances, looks to sustain the momentum against the well-rounded Swanson, a longtime WEC fighter who’s recently picked up back-to-back knockout wins over George Roop and Ross Pearson. In a division light on top contenders, Oliveira knows a UFC 152 victory could go a long way.

“We both are coming off two straight wins – mine are subs, his are KOs – so the winner will be in a great place,” he said. “And even if a fourth victory is necessary, I understand that. Regardless, I’m only concentrating on Cub for now. Win or lose, I leave it in God’s hands. I came to the UFC to fight the best, and that’s what I’m doing.”

The featherweight division, of course, is on hold following Aldo’s recent withdrawal from UFC 153, where he was slated to fight Erik Koch, and then after an injury substitution, former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar. A motorcycle accident left Aldo with road rash, which soon became infected in his right foot.

However, UFC President Dana White recently told MMAjunkie.com the organization will reschedule Aldo vs. Edgar as early as possible, potentially as soon as later this year. In the mean time, Oliveira, who said he holds no ill will toward the champ despite his motorcycle exploits, hopes to strengthen his own resume with a win on Saturday.

Sure, he’d like to get a title fight in the next year. But for now, his upcoming opponent remains his sole focus.

“I know Swanson shows up to fight,” he said. “But I have a gigantic heart. I’m a warrior. And I’m ready to fight all three rounds. I expect this will be the ‘Fight of the Night.'”